Sep 30, 2010

There have been several health emergencies this year that have taken place on campus. We at the Wellness Center are here to help in times of need. An emergency can happen when it is least expected so it's always better to be prepared. Here are a few things to remember should another emergency happen on campus near you.

Severe emergencies: unconsciousness, seizures, chest pains, allergic reactions, having a hard time breathing or any emergency that you would call 911 for should it happen in your own home:

Immediately call 911 (9-911 if calling from a campus land line). After calling 911, inform someone in the business office of what's happening so they are prepared when the emergency vehicles arrive and can point them in the right direction.

After calling 911, call the CWC (245-8307). The CWC team will be sent to render first aid and assessment while emergency vehicles are in transit.

Clear the area of people and debris to ensure ventilation, safety and direct access to the person in need.

DO NOT MOVE THE PERSON unless the person is in a building that needs to be evacuated or is in a spot that puts him/her in danger. When moving a person, make sure they are completely supported and only move them as far as they need to be secure.

If dealing with multiple people, make sure to tell the 911 dispatcher how many people are affected.

Sep 29, 2010

Banned Books Week actually celebrates the Freedom to Read and the First Amendment, which states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
Book bannings and challenges did not stop with the Nazi book burnings; the Harry Potter series, the Twilight series, and even the Captain Underpants series have come under attack.
People usually challenge books out of an attempt to protect readers, often children, from perceived harmful or disturbing material. The motivating factors, according to the ALA, are family values, religion, political views, and minority rights. (www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/)
But in the words of Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas ("The One Un-American Act." Nieman Reports , vol. 7, no. 1, Jan. 1953, p. 20):

Restriction of free thought and free speech is the most dangerous of all subversions.

Sep 27, 2010

Kauai Community College sophomore Moksha McClure won first place and brought home the gold for her speech evaluation skills at a recent Toastmasters Area speech competition on Oahu. The following day, McClure placed first again for her poem at a Rotary District Conference. McClure credits Kauai Toastmasters, Professor Brian Cronwall, and Speech 251 taught by Professor Sharon Milan for her success.

McClure learned she would be competing at the last minute. After sharing this with Milan, she received numerous opportunities to hone her speaking skills. "Professor Milan and my speech class have been nothing but supportive. If it weren't for them I would have little opportunity to practice," McClure says.

Kauai Toastmasters sponsored her trip to Oahu and Kauai President Donna Olivas-Kaohi, also a KCC student, flew over in support. McClure notes that the group is like an 'ohana to her.

McClure was mentored by published poet Professor Cronwall for two semesters in an individualized study class. "Although he was helping me write a nonfiction book, I think some of his 'poetness' must have rubbed off," McClure quips.

McClure says the only downfall of winning is being expected to compete in the next level of competition. "Just thinking about it makes me ill," McClure says.

McClure wants to get her Bachelor's in Communications/Public Policy. She is the founder of Whiskers Resort, a pet hotel in Lihue. McClure says her specialty is animal communication.

The Wellness Center is collecting used eyeglasses you no longer need. Glasses will be sent to the West Kauai Lions Club. From there, they will be sent to regional Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centers (LERCs). The LERC volunteers clean, sort by prescription strength, package, and distribute to people in need worldwide.

Reading and sunglasses with plastic and/or metal frames and, most importantly, children's glasses will be accepted. If you would like to donate a pair of your unused glasses, please drop them off in the Lions box at the Wellness Center, place them in the Wellness Center mailbox in the business office, or call me and I will come and get them from you (245-8307).

I wanted to share some exciting news regarding our Kealaʻoli Radio Show here at KCC!

KCC's HAW 201 students set to broadcast, 9/27/2010.

This semester, the students of HAW 201 will be producing and deejaying their own shows starting Monday, 9/27. I hope all of you will have the opportunity to listen to and support our students; they are nervous, but excited! You may listen to the show every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month from 12:00-1:00p at kkcr.org (FM 91.9).